The Westward Expansion is a proposed Master Planned Development (MPD) covering approximately 20,144 acres of land west of U.S. 1 in Palm Coast, Flagler County, Florida. It is the largest planning decision in Palm Coast's history. As of July 2026 it has NOT been approved โ it is under public review, and residents are encouraged to participate. PUBLIC MEETINGS (all at the Jon Netts Community Wing, City Hall, 160 Lake Avenue, Palm Coast): - Planning Board: July 15, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. - City Council Meeting: July 21, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. - Public Hearing #1: August 4, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. - Public Hearing #2: September 15, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. WHAT IS PROPOSED: The land is owned largely by Raydient, which submitted the MPD application. The MPD would establish the planning framework for the area โ land uses, transportation corridors, open space and development standards. It would replace the previously approved Old Brick Township and Neoga Lakes DRIs and covers more land than they did. Proposed land uses include: a Greenway Overlay (conservation, recreation, open space), Villages (residential neighborhoods), Neighborhood Centers (schools, parks, civic uses), Village Centers (retail and services), a Regional Activity Center (employment, shopping, healthcare, entertainment), and an Employment Center (office, industrial, warehouse) near the rail corridor. KEY NUMBERS: Approximately 20,144 total acres. About 8,501 acres are identified as Greenway Overlay for conservation and open space โ roughly half the property is planned for open space and recreation-related uses. About 180 acres are identified for recreation. Development would occur in three phases with anticipated full buildout through 2056. A 2024 draft economic impact study prepared for the project estimated roughly 13,375 new jobs, $6 billion in property value, and $14 billion in total economic output over 30 years โ that study is currently being updated, and these are projections, not guarantees. MATANZAS WOODS PARKWAY LOOP ROAD: A separate transportation project already under construction, which broke ground May 14, 2026. It adds a new roadway west of U.S. 1 plus a bridge over the Florida East Coast Railway, backed by approximately $125 million in state appropriations and FDOT funding. It is designed as a western beltway for Palm Coast. This project is proceeding independently of whether the MPD is approved. IMPORTANT CONTEXT: Approval of the MPD would not start construction. Individual projects would still require site plan reviews, engineering reviews, environmental permitting, utility agreements and building permits. Public Facilities Agreements covering transportation, utilities, schools and public safety would be developed separately. Decisions about Old Brick Road, a historic roadway in the planning area, have not been finalized. The name "Westward Expansion" is a working term from the Imagine 2050 Comprehensive Plan process; future district and neighborhood names have not been determined. The Planning Division can be reached at 386-986-3736. Palm Coast Local maintains a fully explained with maps, meeting dates, FAQs and the official documents.
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